We must continue support for quality Iowa schools, job training

To continue Iowa’s recovery from the national recession, we must invest in our workforce and economy. Our state is known for quality education and a highly skilled works, but we can’t afford to move backward when the jobs of tomorrow require more training than ever.

As we hammer out the state budget, education is the biggest area of difference between the Iowa House and the Senate. The budget proposed by House Republicans will shut down worker training programs, eliminate economic growth initiatives, and price Iowa’s middle-class families out of a college education.

House Republicans seek to cut $31 million from our state universities. To keep college affordable for middle-class Iowa students, I support a $27 million increase for the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State and the University of Iowa. Our nationally recognized universities not only educate our future workers and business leaders, but they are economic engines in their own right.

We also need to invest more in our community colleges and local worker training programs. That’s why I support a $20 million investment that targets specific skill shortage areas in our region of the state and trains workers to fill those jobs.

When it comes to local schools, asking educators to do more with fewer resources won’t increase student achievement. Last week, the Senate approved a 4 percent increase in basic state support for K-12 schools for the 2013-2014 school year. These funds are used for textbooks, heating bills, technology and other necessities required for students and teachers to be successful.

Here’s the bottom line on education: We must invest in education and help more Iowans gain the skills needed to succeed in 21st century jobs. I hope House Republicans and the Governor will join us in this long-term effort to grow Iowa’s economy.